this item must be saved before it can be forwarded

2 min read 11-03-2025

This frustrating message, "This item must be saved before it can be forwarded," pops up unexpectedly across various email clients and platforms. It disrupts workflow and leaves users wondering what went wrong. This comprehensive guide will explore the common causes and provide effective solutions to resolve this issue.

Understanding the "Save Before Forwarding" Error

The "This item must be saved before it can be forwarded" error typically arises when the email client or application encounters a problem processing the original message before forwarding. This could stem from various factors, from corrupted data within the email itself to limitations within the software. Let's delve into the most frequent culprits.

Common Causes & Solutions

1. Corrupted Email Data

Problem: The email's data might be damaged, preventing the application from properly reading and preparing it for forwarding. This is especially true for large emails with numerous attachments or complex formatting.
Solution: Before forwarding, try saving the email as a .eml file (or another suitable format). Then, open this saved file and try forwarding it again. This bypasses the initial reading process, often resolving the issue. If it works, your original email was likely corrupted.

2. Attachment Issues

Problem: Large or unusual attachments can sometimes trigger this error. The email client may struggle to handle them during the forwarding process.
Solution: If the email contains attachments, try these steps:
- Reduce Attachment Size: Compress large files before forwarding.
- Remove Attachments: Try forwarding the email without attachments first. If successful, send the attachments separately.
- Convert File Types: Certain file types might cause compatibility problems. Converting them to a more common format could help.

3. Software Glitches & Bugs

Problem: Bugs within the email client itself (Outlook, Gmail, etc.) can sometimes prevent proper forwarding. This is more likely to occur with older software versions.
Solution:
- Update Your Software: Ensure your email client and operating system are updated to the latest versions. Patches often address bugs that cause such errors.
- Restart Your Computer/Application: A simple restart can often clear temporary software glitches.
- Try a Different Browser/Client: If using a webmail client, try a different browser or even a different email client altogether (e.g., switch from Gmail to Outlook temporarily). This helps determine if the problem is with the software or the email itself.

4. Server-Side Problems

Problem: Occasionally, the issue may originate from the email server itself. Temporary server outages or problems with its processing capabilities can lead to this error.
Solution: This is beyond your direct control. Try checking the server status of your email provider (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, etc.). If there's an outage reported, you will have to wait for the server to be restored.

5. Insufficient Permissions or Access

Problem: In some corporate or shared email environments, you may lack the necessary permissions to forward certain emails.
Solution: Contact your IT administrator or the system owner to check your forwarding permissions and request assistance if needed.

Preventative Measures

Regularly Update Software: Keep your email client and operating system up-to-date.
Manage Attachment Sizes: Avoid forwarding excessively large files.
Save Important Emails: Saving critical emails regularly helps prevent data loss due to corruption.
Check Server Status: Monitor your email provider's status for potential server-side issues.

By systematically troubleshooting these potential problems, you should be able to resolve the "This item must be saved before it can be forwarded" error and get back to your email workflow. Remember to always prioritize saving important emails to minimize data loss and ensure smooth communication.